Manuscripts and archives
The John Oxley Library, part of the State Library of Queensland Heritage Collections, holds extensive and important unpublished material, collectively known as the Original Materials Collections. These collections document the social, cultural, economic and political development of Queensland. Original Materials refers to any unpublished material, regardless of format or medium. The Original Materials collections consist of:
Manuscripts : unpublished papers of families or individuals, including personal letters, diaries, photographs and reminiscences.
Archives : unpublished records and documents created by an organisation or group in the course of its business, including minutes, correspondence, reports, photographic material, sound recordings and financial records.
Photographs and audio-visual materials : the works of amateur and professional photographers are represented in the collection, including photographic prints and negatives. The Library also collects amateur and semi-professional film footage.
Works of art : including watercolours, oil paintings, etchings, lithographs, drawings and cartoons.
Artefacts and decorative arts : Artefacts refers to objects made, modified, or used by humans. Decorative arts refer to works that are primarily utilitarian in form or function, but have aesthetic value provided by the design, decoration and embellishment.
Original maps and plans : use images, lines and other graphics to portray complex three-dimensional features such as geological features, and to show ideas and activities, such as political boundaries and architectural drawings. Architectural plans of significant structures, buildings and homes are collected and these may be accompanied by specifications.
Oral histories : are historical records created by recording interviews with people. The interviews reflect on people’s lives, personal views, concerns and aspirations.
Finding aids to this collection are available online at Manuscripts Queensland.
Examples of material:
- Personal papers of Mary Watson, Sir James Robert Dickson, and Bert Hinkler
- Records of the Queensland Women's Electoral League, Downs Co-operative Dairy Society, and Glengallon Station
- Photographic prints and negatives by Max Dupain, Richard Daintree and Ron and Ngaire Gale
- Works of art by Lefevre James Cranstone, Oscar Fristrom and Paula Rosenstengel
- Architectural plans by R. P. Froud, Andrea Stombuco, and Karl Langer
Please contact John Oxley Library staff for assistance with access.
More information
If you have a Queensland related enquiry, you can get in touch with us in any of the following ways:
For general enquiries:
- Ask at your local Queensland public library
- Other libraries [new window]
Last updated: 3rd September 2009
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